Song of Solomon 3

Song of Solomon 3:1

In time of desertion and trouble, and of a secure and slothful frame, in prayer and other private ordinances I endeavoured to regain the sensible communications of Jesus’ love: I persevered therein, but without any discernible success

Song of Solomon 3:2

Stirring up myself therefore to a more active and lively frame of spirit, I attended the public ordinances of his worship, in order to obtain communion with himself. I often repeated my endeavours, but met with nothing but disappointments and discouragements

Song of Solomon 3:3

Faithful ministers, who, with care and labour, inspect the souls of men, were often directed to speak pointedly to my case, which encouraged me to open it to them in familiar conversation, and beg their assistance in furthering my fellowship with him

Song of Solomon 3:4

Not resting in duties and ordinances, by faith I essayed still more earnest and immediate application to Jesus himself. He graciously vouchsafed me his sensible presence. Then my heart clave to him by a lively exercise of faith, and by the most ardent and resolute affection. I carefully avoided every thing which tended to disturb our fellowship or provoke his withdrawing; and not only laboured to get intimate enjoyment and full assurance of his love to myself, but to have his promised presence in the church and the public ordinances thereof

Song of Solomon 3:5

I therefore again charge you, my fellow professors or saints, to avoid every thing which may in the least tend to mar my intercourse with him. DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM

Song of Solomon 3:6

What amazing persons are those, who, separated from the world in affection, and delivered from former troubles, mount up heavenward in faith, in love, in spiritual mindedness, and in holy desires and conversation; all acceptable to God through Jesus’ merits and intercession, and endowed with the manifold and precious graces of his holy Spirit! BELIEVERS. 7, 8. Nay, admire not us, nor the glories which we have freely received from Christ; but behold that new covenant of grace, and that familiar fellowship with him, which are the causes of every thing amiable in us, and in which we are watched over and protected, amidst all our dangers, by almighty perfections, attendant angels, and vigilant ministers. 9, 10. Behold how, according to his mere good pleasure, and for his own glory, he has not only assumed our nature in the most precious and useful form, but has formed a new covenant, and a gospel dispensation,—reared on stable, precious, and supporting, promises,—founded in the unchangeable and everlasting love and purpose of God, in which men are protected by his righteousness and royal power: and his unbounded love makes every thing proper, refreshing, and supporting, for the members of his church, in order to transport them, in fellowship with him through this world into the heavenly state!

Song of Solomon 3:11

Go forth then, my fellow professors, from your unregeneracy, your self-righteousness, your filthy lusts, your carnal cares, and sluggish frames: and with earnestness, faith, love, and wonder, observe Jesus, our Prince of peace, not only crowned by his father with the highest glory and honour, but even by all the true members of his church, in their acceptance of him, and submission to him, as their Husband, Saviour, and Lord; particularly in that day of power and time of love in which, to his inexpressible satisfaction, they are united to him by faith. y 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—In this world the clearest days of intimate fellowship with Christ are suddenly turned into nights of desertion, trouble, ignorance, and sloth. But precious and dear is Jesus to lively saints; nothing can content them without his presence and favour; and they count no labour nor suffering too hard to obtain it. Great is his love to them. He is loth to contend long with his people, lest their spirits should fail before him. And an hour, a minute, of his presence richly rewards all their pains and sorrows in seeking for it. Promising is the appearance, when the word preached pointedly touches the heart and consciences of hearers, and leads them to careful inquiries concerning Christ. And remarkable fellowship with him effectually animates to an earnest wrestling in behalf of the church and public interests of religion. What extensive honour believers procure to themselves from all around them, by an earnest care to maintain fellowship with him, and to follow him in a gracious, upright, and heavenly conversation! But, if distinguished saints be so admirable and lovely, how much more is Christ himself and his covenant! With great care ought we to labour to have the heart and eyes of all around us fixed on him: for great indeed is his love, that he should take pleasure in espousing to himself poor, guilty, polluted, diseased, infamous, and mischievous, sinners of mankind